1990 ZR 1 Windshield

[Oliver G.]

Hi fellow NCRS members,

Bad weekend just passed... somehow, something bounced off the windshield of my perfect 3,000 original mile ZR1.

Does anyone have any leads for a new glass that is correct for this car?
And possibly a good shop that I can trust the car to in the PHiladelphia area.

Thank you very much,
Ollie

[Edward S.]

Re: 1990 ZR 1 Windshield

Sorry to hear the bad news - you may want to give Rob English a call, He has done alot of quality work on my car. He is a master restorer and should have a lead on the glass. He is located in Egg Harbor, N.J. which is not that far from Philly Phone #609-965-7817. Good luck.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1990 ZR 1 Windshield

Hi fellow NCRS members,

Bad weekend just passed... somehow, something bounced off the windshield of my perfect 3,000 original mile ZR1.

Does anyone have any leads for a new glass that is correct for this car?
And possibly a good shop that I can trust the car to in the PHiladelphia area.

Thank you very much,
Ollie

Ollie-----


The original windshield glass for 90-92 ZR1's was GM #10145993. That part was discontinued and replaced by GM #10172489, the windshield originally used for 1993-95 ZR1's. Unfortunately, the latter was also discontinued about 4 years ago. I don't know of any reproduction source for it, and I expect that NOS examples are now about impossible to find. By the way, when the 10172489 was discontinued it carried a GM list price of nearly $2,500. I wonder what one would go for if it could be found now?

[Clem Z.]

Re: 1990 ZR 1 Windshield

Ollie-----


The original windshield glass for 90-92 ZR1's was GM #10145993. That part was discontinued and replaced by GM #10172489, the windshield originally used for 1993-95 ZR1's. Unfortunately, the latter was also discontinued about 4 years ago. I don't know of any reproduction source for it, and I expect that NOS examples are now about impossible to find. By the way, when the 10172489 was discontinued it carried a GM list price of nearly $2,500. I wonder what one would go for if it could be found now?

the reason is because the ZR-1 windshield has a special coating to help the A/C cool the car because the A/C compressor need to fit in to the constraints of the DOHC engine was too small to do it without the coating. the mid 90s impalas had the same coatings

[Tyler T.]

Re: 1990 ZR 1 Windshield

the reason is because the ZR-1 windshield has a special coating to help the A/C cool the car because the A/C compressor need to fit in to the constraints of the DOHC engine was too small to do it without the coating. the mid 90s impalas had the same coatings

Not a coating but a metalic film sandwitched between 2 pieces of glass. Kirt White had some done a year or so ago check the ZR1 registry forum to see if any are avaiable.Once in awhile someone finds one in old stock somewhere but you are looking ar $3k plus for one that has no delamination.

Tyler

[Clem Z.]

Re: 1990 ZR 1 Windshield

Not a coating but a metalic film sandwitched between 2 pieces of glass. Kirt White had some done a year or so ago check the ZR1 registry forum to see if any are avaiable.Once in awhile someone finds one in old stock somewhere but you are looking ar $3k plus for one that has no delamination.

Tyler

if you have that film in the widshield the transponder for EZ PASS will not work.

[John H.]

Re: 1990 ZR 1 Windshield

That's why there was a rectangular "window" in the film at the top of the windshield so radar detectors could "see" through the windshield.

[Michael S.]

Re: 1990 ZR 1 Windshield

As these cars age glass availabiltiy will become a real issue.

Be glad you do not own a 93-96 Nissan 300ZX convertible. There are NO replacement windshields, Nissan original or aftermarket such as Pilkington available in the US. The last time I checked for one, there were not any available in Japan either!

It's bad when part of your consideration about whether to even buy a particular car boils down to the condition of the windshield!

[Clem Z.]

Re: 1990 ZR 1 Windshield

As these cars age glass availabiltiy will become a real issue.

Be glad you do not own a 93-96 Nissan 300ZX convertible. There are NO replacement windshields, Nissan original or aftermarket such as Pilkington available in the US. The last time I checked for one, there were not any available in Japan either!

It's bad when part of your consideration about whether to even buy a particular car boils down to the condition of the windshield!

is there a difference in the ZR-1 windshield other than the film that prevents a owner from just replacing it with a std C-4 windshield ?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1990 ZR 1 Windshield

is there a difference in the ZR-1 windshield other than the film that prevents a owner from just replacing it with a std C-4 windshield ?

clem-----


I don't think so. I think that a standard windshield from a non ZR1 will fit and function just fine. So, except for nuances of originality, there are options for the ZR1 owner in need of a windshield. Non ZR1 windshields are very available, including from GM. It's GM #10172302 and sells for about 450 bucks, GM list. This windshield will fit all 1990-96 Corvettes. I think it will fit earlier, too.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1990 ZR 1 Windshield

That's why there was a rectangular "window" in the film at the top of the windshield so radar detectors could "see" through the windshield.

Bottom of the windshield.

[Clem Z.]

Re: 1990 ZR 1 Windshield

unless it is cracked windshield divots can be filled by glass shops. i had my truck done and you can not see where it was done. most insurance companies will pay for the service and if the windshield cracks after that you do not have to pay your deductible to have it replaced.

[Oliver G.]

Re: 1990 ZR 1 Windshield

Hello Gentleman,

First, I would like to thank ALL of you for your comments and advice.

I have a happy ending to this tribulation.
I located a BRAND NEW, NOS windshield in Des Moine, Iowa -using a salvage yard locater service.

The story is rather unbelieveable -first how the damage took place (from my stupidity) and the solution to the drama.

The new windshield was found in a salvage yard and its BRAND NEW - never installed. Second, its correct for the 1990 model (witht the larger "window cutout".

The best part.... I got it for $155.00!
Yes, that is not a typo.....

I could have used a standard Corvette window- but with 3,000 original miles I just could not install an incorrect window, but as a few of you mentioned it will become an issue as the cars age.

I spoke with Pilkington Glass, the mfgs of the original windows. Seems the last production of replacement glass specifically for the ZR was 8 years ago. That entire production run was scrapped due to poor quality of the finished glass. (shame, because even a bad window might be better than a cracked window).

Thought everyone would like to know the end of the story.

Now, yesterday, I spent several hours taking off the w/shield trim in prepartion of the glass replacement. To be candid, I am a little disturbed over the build quality of this particular car. I found numerous screws installed poorly, and not in their intended locations (as evidenced by pre punched holes in the trim). Sealant was applied very poorly. For example, the passenger side A pillar w/strip could easily be removed for trim removal (yeah!).... but the driver side had enough sealant for 10 cars... causing no choice but to tear off the w/strip for trim screw access.

The upper molding was dented in several places (never visible until it was completely removed) to allow clearance for poorly applied w/shield sealant.

I am doing my glass installer the favor of removal/install of the trim - so he does not have to labor himself with the details of desolving w/strip adhesive for proper installation and an undetectable repair.

I thought about leaving the broken w/shield in the car, and getting one of those "baseballs" that stick to the outside and look as if they cracked the glass. Sure, full points for originality, but zero for condition.... but I just can't have a car that is not perfect..... well, at least as perfect as Bowling Green's finest assembled.....

Cheers,
Ollie

[Jack H.]

Re: 1990 ZR 1 Windshield

No, the standard Corvette windshield will fit/function in lieu of the real McCoy ZR1 glass. We had a customer at the shop five years ago who needed glass replacement and he FREAKED at forking over $3500 for correct/original replacement glass and opted to go this route.

Then, while the glass was GM discontinued, there were speculators here/there who'd bought up the remaining GM supplies and were hoarding them. So, while the glass was 'available' then, it was still a 'bend over' proposition to buy!

[John M.]

Re: 1990 ZR 1 Windshield

Oliver,

My condolences on the windshield - glad to know you are on your way to getting it like new...